Busy, busy, busy... To be honest this isn't where I wanted to end this chapter but I don't have any other choice unless I want to be another day late... which I don't. Its a fairly long chapter though and you guys probably wouldn't have liked me very much if I had gotten to end where I wanted to. Oh well enjoy!

sjsreader... Welcome to the fold! Glad I have made you feel all the feels and I quite like the idea of miraculous purgatory... Which story has been your favorite so far?

An Amber Pen... And this is why I don't watch horror movies. Ever been in a real cave underground when all the light are off and no way out to be seen? Its one of the creepiest things ever and its worse if you swim into a cave underwater. Though I don't recommend doing either unless you are with a buddy and have a marked way out preferably with rope. Don't be like me and do stupid crazy things alone. It is NOT fun trying to find your way out of a cave system relying on nothing but air currents and sound.

(Sequel to Meaning of Marigolds!) When skeletons begin to rise up from the shadows it's up to Ladybug and Chat Noir to put a stop to it. Will they be able to end this new threat or be buried six feet under?

The Skeletons Dance (Part 3)

Ladybug remained at the back of the pack waiting for an attack to strike at any moment. It was silly of them to not have thought of it but after the same person nearly tripped for the fourth time in the darkness they had pulled out there cell phone clicking on the light. The excess light had stunned the whole group for about three seconds before they had laughed as one and pulled out their own lights. Ladybug didn't have the heart to asked them to turn the lights off since it made them a very bright target although she asked the people nearest Chat not to shine there lights on him in fear of messing up his night vision. They had all agreed thankfully and her vision was very good even in the semi darkness the lights created. They illuminated far more than she figured they would but it was the darkness at her back that gave her real issues. With practically everyone having their own light Alya had dropped back to her side and asking her to watch their backs Ladybug moved every so often through the group of people. It was to make sure that everyone was ok, to give them a sense of calm, and to show she wasn't afraid. In truth Ladybug was actually terrified, she could feel that Chat wasn't much better off and she felt a little bad because the pressure of getting them out safely was a heavy burden of his shoulders. It should have been on her shoulders but her senses simply weren't as good in the darkness and she knew that he would be able to find danger in this dim world far quicker than her. Now it was a test on how well the citizens of Paris trusted both of them to lead and Ladybug was happy to see that so far no one had any complaints. They had been moving steadily for nearly 25 minutes when they came to a halt. The tunnels had narrowed at one point that they could only walk in single file but now they had come to an open chamber where the people could once again come together in a clump.

"Take a quick break you guys." Ladybug called out and there were a few sighs as some people sat down. There were several tunnels leading off and Ladybug moved over to where Chat stood consorting his weapon. She had already consorted hers and she could see that they were nearing a network of tunnels that had to be the subway.

"These tunnels of Bonehead are way longer than they should be. I think his akuma magic is messing with the distance down here." Chat muttered his eyes flashing the way a predators do as they scanned the dark around them.

She shook her head, amusement playing at her lips from Chats stubbornness to call the akuma Morte. "How much further do you think till we are out into the regular Subway?"

Chats head bobbed as he thought about the question doing the estimation in his head. "Ten minutes walking fast? Hopefully there isn't a barrier that will prevent us from getting out. Although if needed I can always use my power on it."

Ladybug pursed her lips. "Lets keep our powers in reserve since I don't want to be leading these people out dressed as a civilian."

People followed heroes, it didn't seem to matter how young they were. No one would willingly follow a teenager unless they proved themselves and they didn't have the time to do that. Not to mention that coming back to guide the group if they did de-transform was a good way to blow their secret identity wide open. Especially with Alya there watching every move they made.

Chat grumbled the same idea clearly on his mind. "We should…" he started only to be interrupted by a very unladylike curse from behind them. Chat and Ladybug spun to see Alya holding her phone a rather pale look on her face even considering the phone screens glow.

"What is it?" Ladybug asked as they darted to her side to spy at what was on the screen.

It was a grainy jumpy video of skeletons moving towards a person holding the camera. The bad thing about it was that it was labeled less than five minutes ago and the surroundings it showed were a subway station.

"Someone posted under my blog. This… Morte has attacked the subways. There are reports of skeletons coming in from all over." Alya whispered in fright.

"That explains the lack of skeletons in here then." Chat growled wondering how they were going to get out now.

They had been wondering why there had been no skeletons wandering through these strange tunnels. Now they had their answer. A hissing rattle echoed nearby breaking the silence and both heroes jerked around spying the skeleton as it moved at them. Several citizens let out frightened cries that were quickly muffled but no one thankfully screamed.

"Move!" Ladybug snapped as she pushed Chat towards the exit clearly demanding he go on ahead.

He gave her a very annoyed glance but he moved to the lead, letting her take care of the three skeletons that came out of one of the tunnels. The people sprinted after Chat dragging Alya along when she paused holding up her phone.

"This is not the time for that!" One person snapped, grabbing her arm as they fled into the tunnel after Chat.

Ladybug busted the advancing skeletons skulls falling back towards the entrance as she did. Seven skeletons in total met their demise at her hand before she was in the opening and when no more advanced out of the darkness she almost sighed in relief. The darkness was far deeper now that everyone had fled and her red flashlight simply didn't expose much of what was around her. Then she heard the hissing rattle that was their attracting cry and Ladybug fled not wanting too much space to come between her and the people in front of her. The skeletons were coming and she knew that the next party to come at them would be far greater than the couple she had destroyed. Even though the people were a decent distance in front of her Ladybug could still hear them and it was a good thing for her. She concentrated on the sound letting it guide her through two spots where the tunnel broke off into other tunnels and Tiki also helped since she could sense where Chat was.

Some stone was starting to show back through the tunnel walls and two minutes later she came upon the group crowded together with Chat before them smashing another skeleton to dust. An unconscious person dropped from the skeletons ribcage as it turned to dust and the several citizens milled around the person as Chat lifted them up off the ground. Ladybug could see that the person was a young teenager probably only a few years younger than her. A man lifted the teen from Chats arms as he murmured something. Ladybug sighed seeing them all safe and her foot hit a rock making it skitter across the ground as she approached from behind. Chats head whipped towards her and the relief was palpable when he saw her darting over to him. They were both relieved at seeing the other safe and she let him wrap her in a swift hug that had more than one citizen going "awe." They both needed the hug but it was also a ruse for them to speak quietly without making the others nervous.

Ladybug ignored the civilians ridiculous winks and smiles whispering in a voice only Chat could hear "I took out the ones that were close but they are coming. We will have them on our backs soon depending on how fast they can move."

They broke apart and Ladybug asked a bit louder "How close are we?"

"Close." Chat answered opening his baton and glancing at it. They were at another divide in the cave network and he pointed to the tunnel that the now dusted skeleton had come from. "Some of the skeletons are probably heading back this way with captured people. The one I just dusted didn't attack it was simply trying to get past and I saw the person in its chest."

Ladybug grimaced, twisting to eye the person that had been captured. They were passed out and the man that had taken the kid from Chat was maneuvering them onto his back with some help from the others.

"We might not be able to break everyone out we come across. You and I can carry like three people a piece but then we won't be able to fight. Depending on how long it takes for them to wake up…" Ladybug trailed off as Chat mirrored her grimace.

They wouldn't be able to save everyone yet. That fact was like a slap to the face since they couldn't even locate Morte to take him out. Right now they were simply dealing with his little minions and those were bad enough. Sounds echoed dimly behind them and Ladybug tensed as Chat twisted towards the noise.

"We need to move." Chat said and Ladybug nodded waving at everyone to get their attention so that they would follow Chat once more. Everyone stayed as tightly clumped together as they could but the tunnel was starting to narrow. Chat dusted another skeleton as they moved through the tunnel and it dropped another person. Once more they were unconscious and were passed to someone who could handle carrying them. When they came to a sudden halt Ladybug glanced at the map on her weapon wondering what was going on. They were very close and dimly she could see a light at the end of the tunnel. The tunnel itself had shrunk around them in the past few meters to the point that they were walking in threes and to her growing fear she could hear the skeletons moving behind them. The group of skeletons sounded far bigger now and she could hear them jostling each other as they scrambled through the dark after them. They were catching up and Ladybug knew they didn't have time to stand around. Before she could ask why they had stopped though Chat spoke.

"Ladybug." Chats voice was low serious and every one present seemed to freeze at his tone.

Ladybug moved over to him on silent feet waving at the people so they stayed where they were. Alya remained at the back of the pack keeping an eye on the impenetrable darkness behind them. Ladybug hadn't asked her to do it but Ladybug was grateful that she had taken up the post.

"What do you hear… or see?" Ladybug asked arriving at Chats side while squinting into the dark.

Chat shook his head. "It's not good. Skeletons are ahead but more are coming from behind. I can hear them and smell them. We have to get everyone through now. You shouldn't have any issues getting through this last bit so I'll take the back and you the front. We can keep the people sandwiched in the middle. After all we should be hitting the subway at the end of this tunnel."

Ladybug nodded trusting his judgement. "Let's get them going then."

Before they could call out to move though, Alya let out a yelp from behind them and everyone pushed forward as Chat cursed. They had paused for too long. "Go!" Chat snapped pushing Ladybug forwards as he flattened himself against the wall.

"Come on!" Ladybug called leaving Chat plastered to the wall as the civilians surged past him following Ladybug down the tunnel. The sounds of bone breaking caught his attention and as the last person ran past leaving him in near darkness he darted to where Alya was swinging a broken off arm down onto its owners skull. The whole thing turned to dust and Alya scooped her cell phone off the ground as more hands reached for her.

"Oh hell not again." Chat snarled and forced his baton to grow into the darkness colliding with who knows what. Jerking his body sideways he slammed all the skeletons to one side pinning them as Alya scrambled out from under there reaching arms.

"Thanks." She breathed getting behind him.

"RUN!" Chat cried snapping his baton back to normal. His odds weren't good since the skeletons filled the tunnel tumbling over each other as they gave off their rattling hiss to draw even more of their kind. The exit was just ahead but Chat knew that if these skeletons got out into the main tunnel they would be overwhelmed.

"Great just great." Chat snarled smashing his baton through two skulls before leaping back out of reach. "Cataclysm!"

Alya gasped sprinting away from him, running towards the end of the tunnel as he slammed his hand into the wall as high as he could reach dragging it along behind him while running after her. The earth around them groaned as the effects of the cataclysm instantly took hold. The weakened wall crumbled the earth cracking as Chat raced towards the light. The ceiling caved practically right on top of Chats tail as he rushed forwards and Plagg called him an idiots ten times over as he sprinted. The light at the end of the tunnel grew with every step and as he overtook Alya he simply scooped her up throwing them both out of the tunnels mouth as the ceiling really came down. Chat made sure to land back first curling himself around Alya so she wouldn't get hurt. The tunnel behind them caved completely and Chat was happy to see the damage didn't continue outwards into the subway where he now lay. The damage had restricted itself to the tunnel and no skeletons had made it through even as clods of dirt rolled down the mound into the subway.

"Ow dude that was nuts!" Alya muttered pulling back out of Chats arms.

Chat chuckled scrambling to his feet to his feet, pulling her up as well while he looked around. They were officially in the subway system and Ladybug approached him looking harried but relieved. The emergency lights were on in some areas but at best they provided a half obscured world where every shadow seemed sinister. In this half lit world Chat knew his eyesight was invaluable and as such he realized he would be the one leading the group to freedom. For five minutes at least.

"We recaptured two more people and I took out two skeletons that were um… empty I guess. That first kid is waking up though so hopefully we won't have to carry them for very long." Ladybug said and reached up to brush some dirt from his costume.

She didn't have to ask what happened. Ladybug knew he used cataclysm to collapse the tunnel to keep the mob of growing skeletons from catching up. Now though they were on a timer and Ladybug could just feel that it wasn't going to get any easier.

"Which way?" Ladybug asked deferring to his superior senses.

Chat flicked his baton open, glanced at the screen then closed his eyes as he listened to the tunnel around him. Chat pointed down the tunnel. "That way sounds quieter."

Ladybug smiled at him waving at the people as he started moving forwards. "We are moving. If you have trouble keeping up let me know."

Two minutes later they arrived at an abandoned subway station and to both heroes disappointment there was not a way to the surface. The stairs that should have led up were filled in with concrete and with a sigh they brought the bad news back to the people.

"Makes me wish I had two cataclysms." Chat muttered and Ladybug chuckled.

The people took the news relatively well and although everyone was tired they decided to start moving again after a brief rest. Ladybug and Chat however moved to the edge of the platform far out of anyone's hearing.

"You need to go." Ladybug said her voice blunt

Chat sniffed "I've got three minutes."

Ladybug shook her head "No Chat you need to leave now. We can't overtake you stumbling around down here as a civilian."

Chat glared at her. "Why not? I can say I ran from the skeletons and got turned around."

"In a straight tunnel with flashlight? Besides if you say that the people won't want to keep moving forwards and at least one of us needs to get out of here." Ladybug answered

Chat looked away hissing "Shut up Plagg."

"He agrees with me doesn't he?" Ladybug asked and Chat nodded looking aggrieved

"Yeah. I've got some cheese in my pocket. I will run ahead as far as I can taking out anything I come across but as soon as Plaggs recharged I am coming back to you." His eyes glittered in the dimness and he took her hand pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. "I love you My Lady."

He didn't give her time to say anything else and he darted into the tunnel sprinting forwards at a break neck pace.

"I love you too Chat." Ladybug whispered to the dark pressing her hand to her chest.

She stood there in silence for the next three minutes watching his pawprint move at an incredible speed through the tunnels. Twice it seemed to pause and Ladybug realized that he had been stopped most likely by skeletons. At one point he stopped far longer than really necessary and her heart clenched until he was moving again even faster than before. Ladybug knew he didn't have that much time left but it was still an unpleasant shock when all at once the paw print blinked out. Ladybug felt a cold chill run through her even as she saw he had somehow almost made it to a subway station.

"He's alright Marinette he just de-transformed." Tiki murmured comfortingly.

Ladybug swallowed "I know I'm just… scared. Hopefully he will be able to get out of these tunnels and we can meet him on the rooftops."

Tiki could hear how her voice wavered and understood. It took a lot for a person to admit they were scared and Tiki hummed within her mind giving Ladybug an odd sense of peace as she walked back to where the civilians waited for her next move.

"Is everyone ok to get moving?" Ladybug asked eyeing the one unconscious person they still had. Apparently the other three had woken up.

Some people grumbled but they all knew they couldn't stay here. Slowly everyone made it to their feet and it was only once they were in the Subway tunnels again that someone asked "Where is Chat?"

"He is scouting ahead and taking out enemies as he goes." Ladybug answered. "Lets keep quiet though in case more have arrived since he left."

Silence followed her words and Ladybug felt more than a little relieved when they didn't run into any skeletons although they did find one guy sleeping on the ground. Ladybug realized Chat must have darted through and not noticed the man had fallen from a skeletons ribcage. Judging from the scattered piles of dust Ladybug sensed he had fought a pitched battle here. It made her hands clench in worry and they picked up the man before continuing on their way.

They moved at a decent walking pace for eight minutes and to Ladybugs relief they didn't run into any skeletons although Ladybug did spy several dust piles which meant Chat had taken out other skeletons as he made his way through. Alya walked next to her thankfully refraining from asking questions and she helped Ladybug keep an eyes out for any skeletons or other movement in the dimness. They all avoided the third rail and more than once Ladybug wished that the group of people she led wasn't so big. They were unfortunately loud even when trying to be quiet and since the trains were clearly not running there was nothing to cover the noise that nearly 30 people made when moving as a group. Several people gasped excitedly when the station that Chat had made it to came into sight but no one made the move to rush to the platform which actually had a train halfway parked before it.

"I guess is a good thing that the trains are not running but the real question is why?" Alya muttered

"Akuma magic either shut them down or something else has happened. I don't hear anything so lets get these people up on the platform. Do you mind being last?" Ladybug asked knowing that Alya would do anything she asked of her. Alya loved being involved in danger and akuma schemes.

Alya grinned cheerfully at her "Nope maybe I will get another chance to bust in a few skulls."

Ladybug shook her head though a small smile played at her lips then waved everyone forwards to the ladder at the end of the station. It took a few minutes to get everyone up and even once they did the people milled about nervously as Alya found herself a rebar pole that was part of some construction equipment. Seeing her with the pole some of the other people collected one as well while Ladybug consulted her yoyo. Chats Paw print hadn't reappeared yet and Ladybug felt the nervous knot in her gut tighten. Something had to have happened for him not to be back yet. As if answering her fears a person came darting around the end of the hall swiftly followed by three others.

"Keep moving!" A voice snapped from within the halls one that Ladybug recognized.

Ladybug sprinted towards them instantly realizing they were not safe. "Alya get them moving to the next platform!"

The four people heard her voice and angled towards her "Follow the group!" Ladybug called as she swept past them and into the hall. Adrien stood guard just inside twisting out of a skeletons grip as a pole of some kind smashed down on another's skull.

"Come on!" He snarled as a skeleton managed to catch hold of his shirt.

Ladybug threw her yoyo the end blasting through the skulls in rapid succession and before any of the skeletons could utter their eerie hissing cry, they had been turned to dust. Adrien twisted round panting heavily.

"Hey Ladybug… I can totally… explain." Adrien panted only for Plagg to snarl

"He forgot my cheese!"

"I-I was rushed! I thought I... had some in my pocket! Besides you don't have to only eat cheese to regain your strength!" Adrien cried

Ladybug was on him in a second grabbing him arm although all she really wanted to do was kiss him. "Well that explains things. Why didn't you get out of the subway?"

"Cant." Adrien answered following her as she started running back to where the last person was getting off the platform and into the tunnels once more. "Morte has sealed the exits with that bone cage thingy he did down in the tunnels. I don't know how many people have been taken but I was able to keep myself and three others free. We were heading back to the platform when one of them alerted the skeletons to our presence. We need to get to the next platform because there is no way we are going to make it through this one. There are too may here."

A hiss echoed out from behind them and glancing over her shoulder Ladybug could see a skeleton stepping out of the hall. Ladybug bit her lip then scooped Adrien into her arms leaping the last ten feet off the platform to slam into the ground. Stunned faces gaped at her.

"Run!" she snapped "Alya lead them to the next platform. Adrien cover their backs I'm coming so move!"

They could all hear the stressed fear in her voice and everyone but Adrien took off running after Alya as she made her way down the tunnel.

"Two minutes." Adrien snapped at her meeting Ladybugs gaze evenly. She nodded and he took off as well following the bobbing lights down the tunnel.

Ladybug turned to the train before her already able to make out the skeletons moving at them. "Tiki?" she queried even as she threw the yoyo out. It caught on the front of the train and Ladybug hauled back with all of her strength. Tiki hummed within her mind and Ladybug felt power surge through her. Tiki was boosting her physical abilities giving her the strength to pull the train just a few feet forwards blocking off easy access to the tunnel where they stood. It almost wasn't enough though and the train squeaked into place as the first skeletons arrived at the edge. With the space blocked for the moment Ladybug released the train with a gasp falling back and nearly landing on her butt.

"Marinette you need to run!" Tiki cried and still gasping Ladybug turned around then stumbled forwards. Getting a boost from Tiki wore them both out shortening the time they had left to transform depending on how long Tiki boosted her for. Thankfully this time she only needed the boost for a few seconds which meant she could still use lucky charm if absolutely necessary. Ladybug however could already feel he strain it created in her muscles. Even with the magic her body was still human and therefore pulling a train on her own even just a few feet was going to leave her in some sort trouble down the road. Gritting her teeth against the exhaustion she felt Ladybug sped her pace up sprinting after the others since she knew they were bound to run into more trouble at any moment.

Ladybug caught up to them as they were fighting off a cluster of skeletons and Ladybug smashed her way through two of them herself before only dust remained. One of the skeletons had held a captured child and one of the women gathered them into her arms while the others scanned the darkness around them. They stood for a brief moment in the semi darkness and Adrien slipped over to Ladybugs side his eyes holding a question. She shook her head and turned to the now large group of civilians that stood before her.

"I slowed the skeletons behind us but make no mistake they are coming so we need to get out of here as fast as we can." Ladybug said starting to walk backwards so the civilians would follow. "Those with weapons stay on the outside of the group so if we get attacked you won't have to worry about hitting someone. Aim for the skulls and it will only take one blow to turn them to dust. Kids stay in the center and if anyone has trouble keeping up say something."

There was silence and Ladybug saw the determination in all of their eyes. It made her heart pound and a trickle of fear worm its way through her, because she knew that the larger a group became the more likely they wouldn't all make it out. Swiftly she turned away before they could see her fear and she started moving at a fast walk that hopefully meant they would be out of the tunnels in the next ten minutes. Adrien walked on her right as Alya walked to her left. Ladybug wanted to send Alya to the rear to watch their backs so she could talk to Adrien but she couldn't without it being suspicious. In all honesty she wished she could sneak off for a few minutes herself to de-transform so she could give Tiki a cookie and take a pack of string cheese out of her purse for Plagg. Ever since finding out each other's identities she kept some packaged cheese in her purse as a just in case, but in the situation they were in now having the cheese in her purse did nothing to help them. With a sigh Ladybugs eyes swept the darkness ahead as she consulted her yoyo for the umpteenth time that day. There was very little sound outside of the murmurs and pattering of feet that the group behind her made. Ladybug wasn't sure if that lack of sound was a good thing or not. Moments later she spied a skeleton shambling towards them and she was quick to take it out from a distance. It dropped another person and as they passed them someone in the group picked them up off the ground.

"We can't save everyone can we?" Alya asked her voice meant for Ladybug alone. Adrien heard the question as well and he had to force himself to hold his tongue.

Ladybug for one was surprised since she had half expected Alya to be asking a million questions like always. "In the end I hope we do save everyone. For now though…" Ladybug trailed off for a moment her eyes becoming worried as her features hardened. "No we won't get everyone out. This akuma is different. With every person he takes he seems to be getting stronger."

Beside her Adrien nodded "It makes sense though. He calls himself Morte. In a few languages it means death and death rules the underworld. The more people you have underground the more power he probably controls, kinda like Hades in mythology."

He trailed off leaving both girls staring at him speechlessly. Feeling their eyes he glanced up nervously. "What?" He asked

Alya snickered "Dude you're like a walking encyclopedia! Usually you are just quiet and not present for akuma attacks actually."

Ladybug and Adrien winced at her words but thankfully Alya didn't pursue that train of thought. If he had been Chat right now Ladybug would have ruffled his hair while teasing him about his random facts. In turn he probably would have cuddled her while purring some ridiculous pun or romantic comment. She wanted that now, needed that right now but with all the people behind her Ladybug knew she couldn't have it. The glance Adrien shot at her told her he desired the same but both held off in lieu of the sake of their identities. Reaching out Ladybug placed a hand on his shoulder taking strength from what little contact she could have.

"That's a sound theory. I will keep it in mind." Ladybug said and Adrien to her utter surprised blushed.

It did her heart good to see him blush and she had to restrain herself from steeping in closer to steal a hug or even better a kiss from him. Alya for once didn't say anything and they lapsed into silence as they made their way through the tunnel. No other skeletons attacked and they found the platform deserted with no train cars in sight. Ladybug climbed up first keeping an eye and ear out for movement in the darkness. The people followed quickly and Ladybug glanced at the name of the station embedded on the walls. She nearly groaned as she made the words out and Adrien followed her gaze letting out a sigh when he saw the words.

"We are three levels below the surface." Alya murmured "Do either of you know the fastest way out?"

Ladybug flashed her yoyo at her which already had the blueprints of the station pulled up. While the rest of the people assembled she, Adrien and Alya memorized the route taking note of the stairs and other possible obstacles.

"What about the turnstiles at the exit?" Alya asked "I don't have my pass with me."

Adrien snickered "Just jump it Alya. The power is out you wouldn't be able to use it anyways."

Alya grimaced but before she could make a retort Ladybug held out a hand silencing her before she began.

"Everyone gather round." Ladybug called softly and all the civilians crowded in. "This station as you all know is three levels and it is probably filled with skeletons. Make no mistake, we will be running a gauntlet to get out of here so be ready. Adrien and Alya here have the exit route memorized so if I am fending off skeletons follow them without argument. The power is out so don't worry about the turnstiles just make it to the stairs as fast as you can. If the exit stairs are blocked by bones which they might be put your backs to it and defend yourselves the best you can until I get there."

"What if we find other injured or unconscious people?" One woman asked who held a terrified looking child.

Ladybug paused not wanting to answer but after a moment she took a deep breath and said evenly "Do not put yourselves at risk to save someone else. I know that is a terrible thing to say but this akuma is simply capturing people and holding them in the underground. Those that have been captured will be ok. These skeletons are not captured people turned minions and once we defeat Morte everyone will be returned to the place where they were taken from. I'm sorry but right now I can't rescue everyone. We can't rescue everyone."

Her word hung in the air and not a single person could say anything against her. She was human, she was alone, and for once the civilians seemed to realize that below the mask she was as scared as they were. Eerie sounds echoed through the dark and Ladybug eyed the way they had come nervously before flashing them a small smile.

"Lets move." She said turning away to jog to the hall and everyone swiftly followed.

With Ladybug in the lead she was able to take out the few skeletons that remained in the halls on the base level. Things were going smoothly until they hit the second level. From the stairs they could all hear the sounds of a pitched battle complete with the hissing rattle that called for reinforcements. The good news was it was drawing all the skeletons attention away from them. The bad news was it was right in the middle of their escape path.

"We could always go back to the tunnel." Adrien hissed his voice as tense as his body.

Ladybug shook her head "The pack of skeletons behind were about to catch up and the next station is a 25 minute walk through the tunnels."

Hissing echoed from behind them coming from the darkened stairs and several people edged away glancing to Ladybug with fear in their eyes. They were out of time.

"Move!" She hissed darting towards the sounds of the battle. The people followed and Adrien ran at her one side with Alya on her other.
"Alya lead them, Adrien cover her. I'm moving ahead to clear our path." Ladybug snapped and before she or Adrien could voice their opinion she darted forwards. She covered the ground in leaping bounds kicking off the wall at one point in order to make a turn that wasn't really possible at her speed. Her yoyo spun at her side, a pink blur in the dimness that took out any skeleton she blew past. The long hall ended spilling out onto an open vendor/congregation area that people could relax, buy food, or map out there travels in. Immediately she saw the clump of skeletons trying to force their way into what was the bathrooms. Puffs of dust and cracks of something hard hitting bone echoed from ahead and Ladybug grimaced. The bathrooms were right near the stairs and she knew without a doubt that the skeletons would notice her and the people following her.

"Marinette…" Tiki whimpered in her mind and Ladybug understood. She needed to move fast her strength and stamina were starting to wear thin, yet they still had to go through another level to make it to the exit.

She threw herself forward throwing her yoyo so it encircled the skeleton pack. Heaving back, the yoyo tightened and with a snapping crackle the skeletons spines started snapping one by one like dried sticks. Several surprised cries echoed from within the bathroom as they were left with legless skeletons that could still move and tried crawling forwards. A pipe smashed more than one helpless skull that was too close and Ladybug commenced her own smashing as the skeletons started their hissing rattle that called for more reinforcements. Footsteps echoed out behind her and Adrien came bursting out of the hall with Alya close behind. He darted forwards relief on his face when he saw Ladybug smashing in skulls then he frowned as other people spilled from the bathroom. Adrien skidded to a halt beside her as Alya took to the stairs with the others following her. The people coming out of the bathroom saw the exodus and they didn't need any prompting from Ladybug deciding to follow as best as they could.

"Our numbers keep growing." Adrien panted smashing a skeleton as it appeared out of a darkened patch on the wall.

The hissing rattle seemed to come from everywhere now and Ladybug wrapped her arm around Adrien tossing her yoyo out as skeletons began pouring from the hall they had exited moments before. She swung them up to the next level, her eyes easily making out the fleeing people pulling ahead of them.

"Stay with them Adrien it's safer." Ladybug snapped grabbing a vending machine and shoving it over the sound of shattering glass seeming enormously loud in the silent subway. A couple of people screamed from ahead of them and Adrien grimaced as he eyed the darkness of the stairwell watching as the skeletons advanced.

"Dammit Ladybug none of us are safe." He hissed in return taking out a skeleton that wandered their way as she shoved the vending machine in front of the stairs blocking the skeletons exit.

Her eyes snapped to his. "I need you safe. You need to be safe Adrien. Get moving so I can do my job."

Adrien growled at her as she slung her yoyo out snatching another machine and yanking it towards them. It crunched over another skeleton making a crackling sound that had both of them flinching. Adrien refused to move ready to guard Ladybugs back no matter what so it was to his surprise Plagg flew from his pocket his green eyes flashing "Kit listen to the bug and get your tail moving! You of all people cannot be captured. Your life…"

"Don't you dare say my life is worth more." Adrien snarled pointing his finger at Plagg.

Plagg swiped his claws across the accusing finger as Ladybug shoved the other machine into place, blocking the remaining gap in the stairs. It was just in time too since she could hear the skeletons on the stairs one or two of them having already arrived at the machines.

"It is to us!" Plagg and Ladybug snapped as one leaving Adrien speechless.

"Oh for goodness sakes." Ladybug snarled seeing the stunned expression on his face and snatched him up pelting after the other people as other skeletons came drifting out of the murk. "This is like… some stupid… B rated… horror flick." Ladybug snarked, bouncing off the wall to take a tight turn. She overshot her landing and scared the hell out of several people when she slammed to the ground next to them.

"Sorry!" Adrien cried since Ladybug didn't have the air to and she made another leap this time clearing the rest of the people, making it to the front of the pack. In a well-practiced move, Adrien twisted out of Ladybugs arms landing on his feet next to Alya like the cat he was. He didn't even stumble and Alya punched him in the shoulder hard.

"Why the hell did you stop! This isn't the time for flirting!" Alya demanded making Ladybug and Adrien gape at her.

"We weren't!" They yelped as one and Alya rolled her eyes then skidded to a stop a horrified look on her face. Glancing up Ladybug and Adrien realized why and skidded to a stop the people behind them nearly plowing into their backs. The exit was almost at hand. They could see it just ahead covered in bone like bars, but between them and it were dozens of skeletons. As one the skeletons turned towards them the sound of over 40 people skidding to a halt impossible to miss in the inky silence.

Ladybug felt her heart freeze at the sight and beside her Alya let out some very colorful language that had more than one child giggling or gasping in delight. The giggle was very out of place in the situation they were in and it snapped Ladybug out of her horror as the skeletons started forwards.

"Weapon holders on the outside! Form a wedge and aim for the skulls! Stay close!" Ladybug cried all thoughts of being quiet gone from her mind. She spun her yoyo taking out the forward advancing skeletons as she started the charge with Alya and Adrien to either side of her. They smashed through the wall of skeletons, puffs of dust coating them as they plowed through. The battle was fierce and Ladybug could feel the fear emanating from the weaponless people that huddled behind her. The adults were all petrified but many of the children were enjoying the show immensely, even yelling out helpful comments like "To your right blond guy!" or "Ladybugs killed a bagillion of you icky bone bags so give up!" It would have made Ladybug laugh if she'd had the air. Unfortunately she didn't and as she slammed her fist through another skeletons head turning it to dust, it finally opened a semi clear path to the gates. They were still covered with bones blocking the exit and seeing her hesitate Adrien snapped.

"We got this! GO!"

Ladybug did leaping at the bone bars spinning her yoyo as she did. Two bounds covered the remaining 20 feet and she slashed at the bones with a ferocity she didn't know she had. They fell apart toppling to the ground and turning to dust leaving the way out free and clear.

"Clear! Everyone out!" Ladybug shouted and the weaponless people in the center streamed forwards as Ladybug darted to Adrien's side smashing the skeletons back. Hands reached for them and Ladybug yanked Adrien behind herself smashing through several skeletons that were too close for comfort.

"Get out! Everyone break formation and fall back!" Ladybug called hearing cries of joy and surprise echoing out from street level.

Several brave fighters disengaged dropping back but others were not so lucky as bony hands snatched at them. Ladybug snatched two of them back throwing her yoyo around their midsections and pulling them out of harms way. A third man wasn't as lucky getting pulled forwards into the forest of bones before Ladybug could do anything about it.

"Ladybug!" a voice yelled out sounding young and very afraid.

Twisting around Ladybug saw a small group of people of maybe six on the wrong side of the skeleton army. At the child's voice Adrien, Alya and the few remaining fighters turned to look.

"Wedge!" One of the men shouted as the skeletons turned their attention to the group.

For a moment Ladybug wanted to scream. They were so dam close, she could literally smell the fresh air right behind her and now she was faced with an impossible choice. She could grab Alya and Adrien, force them to exit the subway. She knew she wouldn't make it back though, knew she would be abandoning these people to the mercy of the crazed Morte. They didn't give her the chance to voice a word though and as one slammed into the wall of skeletons.

"Dammit!" Ladybug snarled and launched herself over the line of skeletons ignoring Tikis cry to run as she went to work busting the ones coming up on the group from behind. Her arms were tired, her body was exhausted, her mind was trashed from the stress, and Ladybug knew that the only thing keeping her on her feet at the moment was Tikis magic as well as her own stubbornness. The wedge opened up a path with Adrien at the head grabbing up a child when they tripped. The group of six bolted past them towards the exit and Alya gave a cry of pain as a skeleton knocked her back. This particular skeleton had a bone weapon in its hand, one of the rare few to do so and Ladybug snatched the dropped pole from the ground darting in as the weapon began its decent on Alya. The weapon struck hard almost driving Ladybug to her knees. Ladybug gasped for air twisting the weapon off and smashed the pipe into the skeletons head. With every other skeleton one blow had been enough. This one however stumbled sideways into its brethren still intact as Ladybug hauled Alya to her feet. Skeletal hands reached for them and one caught in her hair. Wrenching away her hair tie broke letting half her hair loose and she lashed out with her foot driving the skeleton to its knees as she tried to follow the six other that had fled. Two of the fighters at the edge of the wedge fell under the onslaught of skeletons and the others Ladybug could see were being forced to run. The open path was gone with the skeletons rapidly filling in what little gap remained leaving her and Alya cut off. Their hissing rattle created a constant white noise in the station and Ladybug gulped. The weapon wielding skeleton came at them again knocking the lesser skeletons aside and knowing she didn't have the time to deal with it properly Ladybug dropped the pole hissing "Duck!"

Alya did as she was told snatching the pole off the ground as Ladybug spun her yoyo till it glowed in a pink circle. In the next instant she launched it out torqueing the string so it swung in a full circle bashing its way through anything that was too close. Dust and bones hit the ground in its wake and Ladybug nearly followed her exhaustion catching up at the most inopportune time. Alya snagged her keeping her on her feet and stumbled towards the stairs. She made it two steps before Ladybug wrapped her arms around her and leaped, covering the distance and the wall of skeletons left in their path. They hit the ground Ladybug dropping to her knees and Alya pulled her back to her feet before letting out a horrified gasp.

"What now?!" Ladybug grunted then saw what was wrong. Adrien had stayed behind. He was fighting alone at the wall where Ladybug and Alya had been. Ladybug nearly cursed his stupidity when she saw the reason why. Adrien spun the staff in his hands smashing through two skeletons and child dropped to the ground unconscious.

"Get. Out." Ladybug snapped at Alya pushing away from her while managing to just barely stay on her feet.

"I can help!" Alya answered and with the skeletons already closing in Ladybug shoved her back hard, making her stumble to where she almost fell on the stairs.

"Do not make me save you twice!" She snarled and Alya gaped at her in shock.

A twinge of guilt surged through Ladybug but she ignored it knowing that most likely Alya would follow anyways. Muscles stretched painfully as Ladybug darted forwards to where Adrien fought.

"Tiki?" She gasped not even needing to voice the question on her mind.

"You don't have the strength to do a Lucky Charm. If you try you will pass out and I can almost guarantee it won't work anyways." Tiki answered her voice conveying fear and worry for her chosen. Marinette was at her limit Tiki knew and from the look of things so was Adrien.

He wasn't moving as fast, wasn't smashing the skeletons back as hard, and with the child at his feet he couldn't even make a path out. If he paused in his defense to pick up the child he would be overwhelmed and as Ladybug crushed the first three skeletons in her path he managed to look up making eye contact.

"Get out!" He yelled at her

"Not without you!" Ladybug snarled in answer trying to put more effort into fighting her way through the skeletons.

It wasn't going to work. Ladybug could see that and so could Adrien. She wouldn't stop fighting for him though, she couldn't stop fighting for him.

Unless he gave her no choice.

Adrien smashed two skulls together, the rebar pole bending awkwardly at the force, before shoving the closest skeletons away releasing the makeshift weapon as he did so. It gave him a second of breathing room and moving swiftly he hissed something in a lowered tone messing with the child's hands. The skeletons closed in and he lifted the child into his arms.

"LADYBUG!" He roared and using all the strength he had left threw he child into the air above the skeletons.

Ladybug reacted instinctively disengaging from the skeletons and tossing her yoyo out so it wrapped around the unconscious child, yanking them down into her arms. Catching them sent her weakened self-stumbling back a step and she gazed down to see a trembling Plagg curled around the child's hand. The miraculous was on the kids finger and she looked up in time to see Adrien mouth "I Love You."

In an instant he was overrun his blond mop of hair vanishing in a growing sea of white.

"No…" The broken cry managed to escape her lips and Tikis voice broke through the stunned horror that filled her rooting her to the spot.

"Run Marinette! Run! They cant get you both!" Tiki cried and Marinette reached out her fingers swiftly sliding Adrien's ring ono her finger.

She was exhausted, her heart had just been shattered, and now the skeletons turned their full attention on her. Plagg flew up into her hair clinging hold of the loose strands and behind them Ladybug could hear Alya screaming for her. Spinning round Ladybug could see the skeletons before her trying to trap her in the underground. Fury filled her and Ladybug roared charging right at them knowing she no longer had the strength to jump. She smashed through them like a linebacker curling her upper torso around the child in her arms so they wouldn't be injured. Arms scrabbled at her pulling at her trying to drag her down but Ladybugs fury managed to keep her on her feet. Till suddenly it didn't.

Something caught at her ankles a scant two feet from the exit and the instant she felt her equilibrium tilt she bellowed "Alya!"

Alya was at the bottom step having kept the skeletons clear of the doorway and as she looked up she suddenly found herself catching a small child. The impact of catching the kid sent her sprawling onto the steps into the light and several people above her gasped running down to help. Hands snatched the child out of her arms and Alya was on her feet watching as Ladybug spun her yoyo slashing through arms that reached for her body as she scooted backwards on her butt. Alya darted into the darkness grabbing her by the underarms hauling her to her feet as two other people moved to help Ladybug out. They were on the stairs in moments the skeletons trying to follow them out into the light only to turn to dust in the suns rays.

Out of reach Ladybug leaned on Alya panting hard her breathing erratic and coming in almost pained gasps. Alya pulled back and realized she was sobbing. "Ladybug?" She queried and everyone on the stairs jumped as the skeletons hissing turned into a word

"Ladybug…" The hissed as one, remaining in the shadows as their empty sockets gazed at the people on the stairs.

For the two people that had re-braved the darkness in pulling Ladybug out the skeletons sudden ability for speech was too much. The fled to the top of the stairs leaving Ladybug and Alya on the bottom steps safe for the moment only because of the sun.

"Oh now you speak. Instead of slinking through the darkness stealing innocents why don't you come out and face us like everyone else?!" Ladybug snarled turning her tear streaked face towards the dark.

A purple mask flashed in the darkness, illuminating Mortes position and Alya gasped stumbling back a step at his rather terrifying appearance. He grinned at her fear and reached out a single hand as if he were beckoning to them.

"Now where would the fun be in that?" A grin stretched Mortes skeletal features as his red eyes burned manically in the otherwise black and white sea. "Where is your little familiar?"

A low snarl issued from Ladybugs lips before she could stop it. "Safe and out of your clutches. You should really try something new other than skeletons and jump scares, otherwise my partner and I will get bored Bonehead."

A tiny flicker of anger made Mortes eyes burn a brighter red then he flashed his teeth in a sneer as the butterfly mask brightened around his face. "Don't worry my dear little bug. I have plenty of victim's to choose from now. Matter of fact I think I will start with the little fighters from your brigade. After all the night down here is never-ending."

"NO!" Ladybug roared all the anger and fear she had felt before flooding through her exhausted veins once more. Her yoyo spun to life as Morte sank back into a sea of bones laughing even as her yoyo cut through them like a knife through hot butter. In her fury Ladybug didn't even realize she was moving forward until Alyas arms locked around her.

"You cant!" Alya cried as Ladybug dragged her forwards the skeletons moving towards them as her foot entered the darkness. Her yoyo spun out again slicing through more skeletons as her body entered the shadows. Ladybug wasn't listening and in a panic Alya gripped her friend across the shoulders hissing in her ear "Marinette listen to me!"

Her real name froze Ladybug to the spot allowing Alya to drag her back onto the steps as Ladybug gaped at Alya speechless.

"H-HOW?!" She stuttered and Alya glanced down at her hand seeing Chats ring.

"You… Adrien…" Alya choked the rings presence suddenly meaning far more that she could have thought previously. A beeping sounded between them and all at once Ladybugs hand flew to her ear. She was running out of time and now Ladybug had a totally new set of problems on her hands.

As she turned her back on the subway a chuckle issued from the sinisterly inky darkness. "Almost… I will see you in the darkness soon… ready or not…"

Ladybugs head snapped towards the cavernous entrance noting the bones growing to block off entry or for any unfortunate person still below, escape.

"Shut up Bonehead." She sniped and turned her back on the darkness before dragging Alya up the stairs.

There were people at the top of the stairs. Of course there were people at the top of the stairs…

Most of them cheered seeing Ladybug and a few openly asked where Chat was. His name sent Ladybugs throat closing up and she for once thanked every lucky star she had that Alya was there to run interference.

"Hey everyone back off! I am about to get an exclusive interview with Ladybug to get all the details. For now stay out of the darkness and at nightfall stay off the streets. I'll have my interview posted in a few hours." Alya snapped waving several overly curious folks off.

Nodding to Ladybug she hooked her arm over her shoulders and Ladybug slung out her yoyo catching on the nearby roof. In seconds there feet were lifted from the ground and two swings later Ladybug landed them in an ally gasping heavily as her earrings beeped.

"Marinette you have overreached yourself!" Tiki squealed in her mind and Alya peered at her uncertainly gripping her arm as Ladybug swayed.

"Girl are you ok?" Alya asked noting her pale features and her inability to catch her breath.

"No I'm not. T-take me home… I'm going to…" Ladybug managed as her earring gave a final distressed beep. In a flash of pink light Marinette stood, blinking at her stunned friend which was in its own way laughable since Alya had already guessed her identity.

Her body swayed again as Marinettes eyes closed and she just managed to squeak out "…faint." As she lost consciousness completely.